Did you know your Honda Civic can roll down all your windows with just a press of your key fob? Many Civic owners miss out on clever features like this—features that can make everyday driving more convenient and enjoyable.
Forget about flipping through that bulky manual. Instead, let's cover some of the best-hidden features and tips that will help you get more out of your Civic.
1. Your Key Fob's Hidden Powers
Ever need to cool down your Civic quickly? Press the unlock button on your key fob twice, holding it on the second press, to roll down all windows and the moonroof (if equipped). This feature can be turned off in the settings if needed.
For added convenience, program the key fob to automatically adjust seat positions and mirror settings for different drivers. This is especially useful for households with multiple drivers who prefer different setups.
Your key fob also allows smart entry—keep it in your pocket, and the doors unlock when you touch the handle. You can program it for different actions, like turning on the headlights or adjusting memory seats.
Customize these actions in the vehicle settings to suit your daily routine, such as turning on the headlights when approaching the car at night.
If the fob battery dies, press the small release button to access a hidden manual key that fits a concealed keyhole. This hidden key can also be a lifesaver if you accidentally lock your key fob in the car.
Key stuck in the ignition? Here's what you can do to fix the problem.
2. Hidden Easter Eggs
Your Civic includes some unique touches that highlight Honda’s heritage. Check under trays or inside compartments for subtle etchings or illustrations of classic motorcycles, race cars, or the ASIMO robot.
You might also find embossed designs showcasing Honda's cultural roots or the Civic's evolution, like side profiles of past models. Look for unique messages or designs on mats that celebrate Honda's values and achievements.
These hidden designs can be a great conversation starter and are a nod to Honda enthusiasts who appreciate the brand's history.
3. Customizing Dashboard & Display Settings
The Civic’s dashboard can be customized using the steering wheel buttons to access the Multi-Information Display (MID) settings. Reset trip meters, check fuel efficiency, or view tire pressure and maintenance alerts.
You can also customize the welcome screen with a personal photo or message for a more personalized touch.
In the settings menu, tap, hold, and drag to rearrange items like fuel economy or navigation. Eco Assist helps you adjust driving settings for better fuel use—it is ideal for city driving but can be turned off when more power is needed.
For long highway trips, consider switching off Eco Assist to enjoy a more responsive throttle. Trip Meters A and B help track different routes and reset data easily, keeping essential info within reach.
Troubled by that tire pressure light? Here’s a quick guide to reset the TPMS on your Civic.
4. Emergency Release Tips
Ever been stuck trying to open the fuel door on a freezing day? There’s a hidden manual release in the trunk that can save you from that hassle.
Look near the taillight for a small pull cord; a quick tug opens the gas door without needing electronics. This is particularly useful in cold climates or when the electronic release malfunctions due to ice buildup.
If the trunk won’t open due to a dead battery or electronic failure, fold down the rear seats and find a lever near the trunk’s edge to open it manually.
Keep this in mind if you ever find yourself locked out of the trunk in an emergency. It’s good to locate and test these hidden features now to avoid future problems.
5. Your Infotainment System's Full Potential
With a few tweaks, you can make the most of your infotainment system. Customize your Apple CarPlay or Android Auto by moving frequently used apps closer for easy access.
You can also save shortcuts for quick access to favorite contacts or destinations, making daily commutes more efficient.
Change the background in the settings menu, set up one-tap actions for contacts or destinations, and use split-screen mode to run two apps simultaneously, like maps and music.
Create a custom audio profile for each driver to match different listening preferences, whether it’s a podcast or a favorite playlist.
For voice commands, press the TALK button to set reminders or play music and adjust settings for better recognition. These changes can make your drive more seamless.
Want to enjoy streaming entertainment while parked? Find out how to watch Netflix in your Honda Civic.
6. Making Stop-and-Go Driving Easier
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) enhances driving comfort by allowing you to set a desired speed and follow the distance from the vehicle ahead.
It automatically adjusts your speed to maintain this distance and can bring the car to a complete stop using the Low-Speed Follow feature. To resume driving, press the RES/+ button or lightly push the accelerator.
This is especially beneficial in rush-hour traffic, where constant acceleration and braking can be tiring.
Auto Idle Stop helps save fuel by automatically turning off the engine when the vehicle is stationary, such as at traffic lights.
This feature is great for city driving to improve fuel economy but can be turned off if you prefer more control over the engine start and stop. You can easily disable this feature using the button on the dashboard if needed.
Brake Hold adds convenience in traffic by keeping the car stationary without the need to continuously press the brake pedal, making it especially useful in stop-and-go situations.
Consider using this feature on steep inclines or in long traffic jams to reduce leg fatigue.
Understand how to control your drive better by turning the traction control on and off in your Civic.
7. Silencing Your Keyless Entry Beep
Are you tired of the beep when locking or unlocking your Civic? Turn it off for a quieter experience. Go to the vehicle settings menu on the infotainment screen, select "Keyless Access Setup," and switch "Keyless Access Beep" to "Off."
This is useful in quiet neighborhoods or when you don’t want to disturb passengers or nearby residents.
The keyless entry still works without the noise. If you change your mind, you can always turn it back on. Having this flexibility means you can customize the Civic's features based on your preferences.
8. Visibility & Safety Features
Rain-sensing wipers are more than automatic. The ring on the wiper stalk allows you to adjust the sensitivity for different rain levels.
This feature is particularly handy during drizzles or heavy downpours, providing optimal visibility with minimal effort.
Keep the windshield clean for better accuracy. For night driving, set the headlights to AUTO to let the high-beam feature adjust based on traffic or pull the lever for manual control.
This helps prevent blinding oncoming drivers while ensuring maximum visibility on dark roads. These settings help keep the road clearly in view.
9. Traffic Sign Recognition Settings
Stay aware of speed limits and road signs with Traffic Sign Recognition. A camera reads speed limit signs and displays them on the dashboard.
To enable this, go to the Driver Assist System Setup in the settings menu and activate Traffic Sign Recognition.
Customize the alert settings to notify you when you exceed the speed limit by a certain margin, such as 5 or 10 mph, for a safer drive.
Set alerts for speed limit changes and keep the camera clean for accuracy. This is especially helpful on unfamiliar roads or in new cities where speed limits change frequently, helping avoid speeding tickets.
This helps in unfamiliar areas and avoids speeding tickets.
10. Extra Storage Options
There are more storage options in the Civic than meets the eye. Pull-out trays under the front seats are perfect for small items like flashlights. In the trunk, lift the cargo floor panel to find hidden compartments for valuables.
These compartments can be used to store emergency items like first-aid kits or car maintenance tools, keeping them accessible yet out of sight.
The center console armrest and door pockets provide more room for essentials. Check the rear seat area for fold-down cupholders in newer models to keep the interior organized.
Adding seat-back organizers can also maximize storage space for rear passengers, keeping items like tablets or books within easy reach.
Need to maximize storage space? Learn how to put the seats down in your Honda Civic.
11. USB Ports for Charging
The Civic has several USB ports for charging and connectivity. On the front panel, one port handles both charging and Apple CarPlay or Android Auto; another is for charging only.
This setup allows the driver to use Apple CarPlay while passengers charge their devices without interrupting connectivity. In the back, look at the rear of the center console for additional ports for passengers.
Encourage backseat passengers to use these ports to avoid front-seat clutter, keeping everyone’s devices powered without tangling cables. This setup keeps devices powered without clutter.
12. Better Climate Control Settings
The Honda Civic's climate control system is designed for optimal comfort. The "SYNC" button synchronizes the driver and passenger temperatures, allowing for easy adjustment of the cabin climate.
This is especially useful when driving with passengers who prefer different temperature settings.
The "Auto" mode automatically regulates fan speed and airflow to maintain the desired temperature, providing a comfortable driving experience.
Adjust the fan speed manually when you want faster cooling or heating, especially on extremely hot or cold days.
For improved air quality, regularly check and replace the dust and pollen filter as needed. Refer to your vehicle's maintenance schedule for guidance on when to inspect and replace it, keeping a fresh and pleasant cabin environment.
This is particularly important for allergy sufferers or when driving in polluted areas.
13. Accessing the Spare Tire
To access the spare tire and tools, lift the panel at the bottom of the trunk. The spare, jack, and lug wrench are neatly stored in a recessed compartment.
Consider keeping a pair of gloves and a flashlight in this area for easier tire changes in low-light conditions.
Check this area occasionally to make sure the spare is inflated, and tools are ready for emergencies. Regular checks can prevent being caught unprepared during a flat tire situation.
For maintenance tasks, follow this step-by-step guide to replace the engine splash shield on your Civic.
14. Customizing Door Lock Settings
Adjust the door lock settings to fit your preferences. Set auto-lock when you start driving or unlock all doors when the engine is off.
The Walk Away Auto Lock feature locks the doors automatically when you leave with the key fob. Tailor these settings to suit your routine for added convenience.
Make the Most of Your Civic
Adjust the door lock settings to fit your preferences. Set auto-lock when you start driving or unlock all doors when the engine is off.
This can prevent accidental lockouts and improve safety by ensuring all doors are locked while driving.
The Walk Away Auto Lock feature locks the doors automatically when you leave with the key fob. Tailor these settings to suit your routine for added convenience.
For instance, use this feature to secure your car quickly in busy parking lots or at home.
Looking for even more essential tips for your Civic? Check out these 10 things every Honda Civic owner should know.